Does racism against black guys still exist in the business world? What do you think about this......?

Question

First let me discribe myself:

I'm short for your average black guy, 5'5". I'm light skinned, & I speak normal English at my jobs, not ghetto slang. &I try to treat everyone with respect.

Now here's the discrimination I recieve:

1) People always think I'm trying to be white because I speak normal English at work instead of speaking ghetto slang like the media's stereotypical view on black guys. So they basically think I'm fake and don't know how to be myself when I'm simply being professional & know I'm not getting a job speaking slang.

2) People usually think I'm gay. I think it's because I don't look or act like the media's stereotypical tall dark black guy with an attitude. I don't act like a flaming gay guy, so I see no other reason why they would think this.

3) People think I look angry all the time even when I'm calm & relaxed. I suspect it's because they're not used to working with black people.

It's always the white guys who think this. What do you think?

Furthermore: Basically this people think that I'm lost and confused and don't know what I'm doing in life. I've seen some other black guys who aren't the stereotypical convict acting guys, get treated similarly as well.

Is this the new racism against black men?

This particularly happens in work fields where it's mostly dominated by whites and asians, RARELY any blacks.

What do you all think? Because I'me getting tired of it.

Answer 1

Discrimination in the workplace occurs everyday against black and against women. There is no easy solution to the matter. While the blatant "Get out of my building ni..." is no longer acceptable the glass ceiling is pretty low in some industries. I am a black female in a predominantly white male industry and I have seen less qualified white men receive advancements before I have. As far as the comment about "acting white" because you speak proper English, I heard a statement on Oprah by the major of Newark which may help. Tell them you aren't speaking white you are using the English of Frederick Douglas and W.E.B Dubois.

Answer 2

I think you're in a tough spot; but you're also a trailblazer, and a role-model for those who have nothing but bad stereotypes in mind.

As hard as it is, the more you perservere, the more minds you are going to change. It won't be easy or fun, but all I can do is ask you to think of the satisfaction of proving them wrong; and of making things easier for the next non-white man in your shoes.

You are correct to think of what you are going through is a form of abuse; but it's one that no law or "sensitivity training" is going to dismantle. I wish you nothing but the best of luck; in your situation, a smile will win allies than seeming defensive.

Answer 3

To be fair I don't think there's that much prejudice nowadays, and its widely acceptable to see black people in high-paid jobs (i.e judges, lawyers, doctors, etc.) At work they accept me for who I am, and I get along with most people.

I never really encountered prejudice until I started seeing my gf (who's white) and went to her folks' one evening where I sensed some apprehension at my presence.

I think this is still looked down upon.. maybe its their old-fashioned attitude rooted from their generation...

Answer 4

You may be right, or you may be paranoid - how am I to guess?

But my experience of people is that in general people want the best for others, regardless of race.

To overcome prejudice you have to be able to see what makes others tick, and what constitutes our essential humanity. This is what both great comedians and great salesmen do.

You start off by taking an interest in others, and finding out about them.

Answer 5

Racism is everywhere and always will be unfortunately. It happens to EVERYONE.

Answer 6

what racism sweety ?it is what it is and bitchin about how we are is not gonna make us change. who doesn't get taken by the balls?